Sport leadership and innovation labs
Sport leadership and innovation research
Our sport leadership and innovation labs explores how leadership, marketing, fan engagement, event management and operations shape sport and recreation. Faculty and students apply research to real-world projects, events and community partnerships while developing skills in sport management, revenue generation, facility operations and consumer engagement. These experiences connect students with industry professionals and help prepare them for careers across the sport and recreation industry.
Innovation Laboratory for Sport and Recreation
The Innovation Laboratory for Sport and Recreation builds career pathways through research, event management, networking and student-led projects. The lab partners with sport teams and community organizations to create meaningful experiential learning opportunities and research that responds to industry and community needs.
Research focus
- Sport marketing
- Event management in sport and recreation
- Sport revenue generation and fundraising
- Facility and operations management
- Fan engagement and consumer behavior
Current and recent work
- FIFA World Cup fan engagement ahead of the 2026 tournament
- Fan engagement related to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games
- Research on sports betting as problem behavior and consumer engagement
Student research opportunities
Students can gain applied experience through projects and professional events such as the Big Sky Tournament Starch Madness opportunity, Sport Sales Workshop and Career Fair, Northwest Association of Sport and Higher Education Forum and North American Society for Sport Management Conference.
Community services and participation
Sport organizations, recreation agencies and community partners may collaborate on research, events, student projects and industry engagement. Contact malanis@uidaho.edu to discuss partnership opportunities.
Partnerships and impact
Current community partners include the City of Moscow Department of Parks and Recreation and City of Pullman Tourism and Recreation.
Contact information
Location: Memorial Gym, Room 204
Contact: Melody Alanis | malanis@uidaho.edu
Partner with us
Students interested in sport and recreation careers can engage in applied research, event planning, networking, conference participation and community-based projects. Organizations can contact the laboratory to explore research partnerships, event support and student-led innovation.